Spring Training Game Twelve: Cubs (5-6) vs. Rockies (5-5-1)
- Game Time – 2:10pm CST
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale
Scott Feldman (0-0, 4.50/2.00) vs. Jeff Francis (0-0, 0.00/1.00)
The Cubs will shoot to get back in the spring win column this afternoon in Scottsdale. The Cubs beat the Rockies in the fourth game of Cactus League play and will square off against Colorado one more time this spring (March 13 in Mesa). The Cubs’ young pitching has been exposed of late and it would be nice to see Scott Feldman and company throw strikes this afternoon.
With veteran southpaw Jeff Francis taking the ball for the Rockies, it will be interesting to see how many right handed bats are in Dale Sveum’s lineup. The Cubs have talked about Welington Castillo getting reps at first base, along with Dioner Navarro, plus Brent Lillibridge has not been used in a game in a few days.
Len Kasper and Mick Gillispie will call the action once again on Cubs.com.
This afternoon all begins with Scott Feldman …
Scott Feldman makes his second start of the spring this afternoon after a solid first outing against the A’s last Thursday. Feldman allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts and two walks in two innings of work. Jorge Soler helped keep Feldman’s line respectable when he threw a laser to third to cut down Josh Reddick to end the first inning.
With Matt Garza out of the mix at the beginning of the season, Scott Feldman will be moved up a spot from fourth to third in the Cubs’ rotation. Feldman needs to throw more strikes this afternoon than in his first outing.
Feldman has the stuff to return to his 2009-form, he just needs to work on his consistency over the next three-plus weeks while the games do not count.
Veteran lefty Jeff Francis is trying to pitch his way onto the Rockies’ rotation. Francis has thrown the ball well in his first two spring appearances. Francis has not allowed a run and surrendered five hits in two outings (one strikeout, no walks). Francis makes his third appearance, season start, today.
Jeff Francis was 6-7 in 24 starts a year ago in his return to Colorado with a 5.58 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …